The Wii U is now one year old. For some, this is hard to believe, but for others, it might have been a really long year. Speaking on behalf of us at NintendoFuse, I think it is safe to assume we all feel the year went rather quickly. It is no secret that we are Nintendo fans. In fact, that is why we do what we do — because we really enjoy playing Nintendo games and talking about Nintendo games. For others, though, it seems like they have forgotten about Nintendo’s newest home console. In a way, it seems like they are indirectly bashing on Nintendo, specifically the Wii U. Here are just a few examples from my recent observations.

(Warning: Some of you may not agree with everything I am about to say, That is okay, as it does happen often with “rant posts” like this.)

The other day, I went by GameStop in my local mall. As soon as I walked into the store, I was greeted with Sony stuff to my right, Microsoft stuff on my left, and a few Nintendo 3DS things in the center with other used games on sale. The Wii U section was in the very back of the store, which also meant it was behind the counter. How are people supposed to see that? Yes, I know their focus is on the brand new consoles coming from Microsoft and Sony this month, but Wii U was not front and center when it launched last year. If the games and systems are stuffed in the back of the store, how do you expect it to succeed?

I am listening to more and more podcasts these days. Specifically, I listen to one particular daily show that covers tech news, which often includes video games. However, the other day, when the Nintendo Direct news came through about combined Nintendo Network accounts on 3DS and Wii U, Miiverse on 3DS, YouTube app updates, etc., they did not even mention it on the show. This is not the only time this has happened either. However, when there is a tiny bit of news on the PlayStation or Xbox, they are sure to cover it. This is only one of the shows where I’ve noticed this happening. Other general gaming sites even overlook Wii U in their coverage. One in particular, even leaves it out of their “next generation” list. Yes, Wii U might not have the “power” that the PS4 and XB1 have, but leaving it out of your list does not help when gamers are looking for a system. Doing things like this does not even give it a chance to succeed.

If you follow me on Twitter or listened to our most recent podcast, you will know how frustrated I am about FIFA 14 not on Wii U. This is not the only third-party game that is missing on Wii U. In fact, I could go on and on about the so-called “multi-platform” games that have overlooked Wii U — Madden 25, Rocksmith, NBA Live 2014, PES 2014, Saints Row 4, Tomb Raider, Dead Space 3, and Battlefield 4 are just a few. To be completely honest, I do not like how I cannot play these games on my console. Before you start preparing your hateful comments, I do understand much of this is Nintendo’s fault, as they could pursue these games more. Nevertheless, part of the reason, I assume, is because these companies have a preconceived notion that Wii U is for a different audience. That is simply not true. Electronic Arts, I am looking primarily at you.

All right… I know people are not directly bashing Nintendo by putting Wii U games in the back of the store, avoiding discussion on podcasts, and skipping over it with their games, but I hope you can see from where I am coming. These decisions do seem to indirectly bash the console I really enjoy. Due to these happenings, the console I really enjoy playing is not moving forward as much as it could in a year.

Am I alone in this thinking, though? I do not think so. I know there are others out there who would love for Wii U to be in more homes. This is not because I want Nintendo to make more money. Instead, if more people know about the Wii U, they will buy it, which means more games, better games, and a better overall community. Right now, it seems like stores, media, and third-party developers have already dismissed Nintendo’s newest home console. What does that do for gamers? It kills the platform before it even gets a chance, which has a negative effect on gamers, who want to play great games on their Wii U.

Yes, I know there are many things Nintendo can do, on their own, to help their own cause. I am not holding Nintendo faultless, as there are definite shortcomings on the Wii U. Nonetheless, things like better advertising/marketing, paying for more third-party games, bettering their online strategy, etc. would be a great start. That is enough for an entirely different blog post, though. The purpose of this thought is mainly a rant on all the indirect bashing that seems to be going on around the Wii U. I just hope the console’s second year goes better than its first one.

Oh, by the way… For those Wii U haters, who think I am crazy for saying Wii U is worth it, here are just a few of the reasons to get one:

Ok, I know there are quite a few people who will disagree with me on every point, and you might even call me just an crying fanboy. Maybe you are right, and maybe I am going overboard. Hopefully, though, you will see the heart of what I am saying. I really enjoy gaming on my Wii U. Unfortunately, it seems like there are a ton of people who do not even want to give it a chance, and I think this has a negative effect on the entire industry. If stores, media, and developers do not give a system the chance to succeed, it takes away from the competition, which in turn, hurts the gaming scene. And on a more personal note, it hurts those Nintendo fans out there, like myself. If you want to bash Nintendo, go ahead, but doing it indirectly by just avoiding it does not make much sense to me.

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